As a chiropractic physician my recommendations are made based on a variety of factors including spinal biomechanics, research evidence and practical considerations such as ease of advice implementation and cost particular products. I would like to disclose that, although I may get a referral fee from some of the items advertised or reviewed, this will never impact the integrity of my reviews or recommendations. I hope you find my recommendations useful; however, if you have a specific spinal problem or condition, and have not yet done so, it is recommended that you contact your qualified health care provider for recommendations that may apply to your particular case.
Peter C. Spathis, DC
Recumbent Exercise Bikes For Back Pain
Home exercise bikes are often a great piece of equipment to have for people suffering with lower back pain as well as most of the general public. They allow you to perform a low impact workout in the comfort of your own home without taking up as much space as a treadmill and, often, at a fraction of the cost. Although a recumbent bike may take up a little more space than an upright stationary bike, it is usually still less than a treadmill and it allows you to be in a position that reduces stress on certain spinal structures.
Compared to sitting on an upright stationary bike, recumbent bikes dissipate force over a larger area and provide back support that not only reduces stress on some spinal structures but helps reduce spinal muscle fatigue during extended exercise sessions. This can help minimize back and neck discomfort during exercise as well as decrease the chance of aggravating certain spinal problems.
The partially reclined position of a recumbent bike may be especially beneficial for those that have been diagnosed with some spinal degenerative conditions, including "spinal stenosis" - a condition in which nerves from the spine become pinched and sometimes cause radiating pain, numbness, tingling or even weakness in the extremities. If you have been diagnosed with this or any other spinal condition, please talk to your qualified health care provider to see if a recumbent bike may be a good exercise option for you.
Seniors, elderly people with balance problems and those that find sitting on a traditional upright exercise bike seat uncomfortable are more likely to prefer a recumbent bike. However, even without a spinal condition or other limitation, many people of all ages and athletic ability find a recumbent bike a more comfortable and preferable option to a traditional exercise bike.
If you are considering a recumbent exercise bike to allow you to get the benefits of low impact cardiovascular exercise with or without back pain, or specific spinal condition, the following recumbent bikes are reviewed for your consideration.
This recumbent bike may be more expensive than the other choices on this page but, for those that plan on regular use and can afford it, it may be worth it! A particularly attractive feature of this high quality product is its seat adjustment options. In addition to the seat being able to slide back and forth to accommodate user heights between 5' and 6'5", it is also able to tilt backward, making the degree of recumbency also adjustable. This is an important feature for those with back pain or certain spinal conditions. Please consult with your qualified health care provider to help determine the incline position most suitable in your specific case. This unit has 16 resistance levels, 12 pre-set programs, a heart rate monitor and is surprisingly compact with a 49" length and 27" width. Its sturdy construction also allows a 350 lbs user weight capacity. From an ergonomic perspective, most people will find this unit to be the best choice on this page and, even with its higher price, is worth considering.
Among its many features, the Schwinn 270 recumbent bike includes 25 levels of resistance, a variety of fitness progams, a heart rate monitor, low noise level, bluetooth connectivity to track progress with app based tracking tools and access to "50plus global routes that auto-adjust in real time to your speed". Although the maximum user weight of this recumbent bike is listed at 300 lbs, heavier users have reported that they had no problem using it - although this is NOT recommended, it is a testament to its impressive construction quality at this price range. The features, quality and price make this recumbant bike a good value and another one that is worth considering.
This no-frills low cost recumbent exercise bike from the Marcy company is surprisingly sturdy for this price range with a 300 lb listed weight capacity. It has an adjustable padded seat and back support that goes farther up the spine than some other home recumbent bikes for better overall support and comfort. At a 55.5" length it is compact enough for most smaller spaces. Also, at 61 lbs with built-in "transport wheels", it is light enough for most people to move around. On the down side, this unit does not have a heart rate monitor. However, those with Fitbits or other pulse monitors, as well as those who do not find the pulse monitor feature essential, will likely find this low cost recumbent bike to be an amazing value and one of the best options at this price range.
